Bonjour Girl

by Isabelle Laflèche

  Jake is beaming. Not only did he receive a grant to create his own collection, but thanks to Ellie he was nominated for an award tonight in a special category for those who advance social issues in fashion. Although he’s not ready to branch out on his own, this nomination will help him get the coveted internship with a fashion label that he so dearly wants. More importantly, he followed his intuition and it’s proving to be a winning strategy.

  Thanks to Jake, Ellie was also nominated for her breathtaking work. Jake shared photos of her showroom and her collection on his Instagram profile and the reaction was quick and astounding — the photos went viral in a matter of hours. Parsons quickly contacted Jake to find out who made the dresses. Ellie also received an invitation from a small museum in Normandy to partake in an exhibit about Madame Grès. They asked to borrow her pieces this summer. She literally jumped up and down and rolled around on the floor when she found out. Talk about nailing it.

  I’m so happy my own great-grandmother was the inspiration behind Ellie’s jewel of a collection. I’m sure Cécile is staring down at us, beaming.

  Jake interrupts my musings by suggesting I lift my dinner plate. Underneath, I find a handwritten note from Brian Kim, the Korean designer who won awards for his decal collection. In his letter, he personally thanks me for protecting his designs. I know Jake has something to do with this and I give him a thumbs-up. I’m glad Jake reached out to Brian; after all, he’s a former Parsons student and has a right to know. In helping myself, I also did some good for somebody else. It was all worth it.

  After our entree is served, silence fills the room as Anna Windsome walks on stage in her signature tweed shift dress to address the audience. She begins by welcoming the students and congratulating the nominees on the important work being done at Parsons. “You’re all paving the way to the future,” she says, and I get a frisson down my spine. This was the main reason I decided to come to New York and launch my blog. She continues by thanking James for his impressive contribution to the fashion industry. I crane my neck to look over at his table and see Maddie looking at him admiringly; this makes my heart sing. Tonight, cheesy as it sounds, love is the air.

  A video of the nominees’ work is played on a large screen above the stage and our table goes wild when images of Jake’s work appear. Even Anna looks impressed by his collection — that’s no small feat. He’s asked to stand before the cheering crowd.

  Tears well up in his eyes as he takes a bow, and this makes me teary, too. I know how hard Jake fought to get here; that makes tonight even more special.

  “My only worry,” Windsome continues, “is for any of you going straight from school to starting your own business. Just remember one thing: it’s tough out there. Take your time, get some valuable experience, and watch your backs.”

  Jake gives me a conspiratorial nod. He mouths the words “No kidding!” This makes me giggle.

  “I personally would advise you to think carefully before you start your own business, and consider working for a designer or a company whose work you admire before you do. You’ll be in a better place strategically, financially, and emotionally. And then when you’re ready, you can count on me for support,” she finishes, and the crowd begins to laugh. Jake lifts his hands in the air, whistles, and claps. I know this comment did not fall on deaf ears. He’ll be calling her sooner than she expects.

  I wink at Jake after Anna Windsome finishes her speech. It’s my friend’s strategy to find an internship and I know it’s Ellie’s strategy, too. She told me during the cocktail reception earlier that she’s looking to intern for one of the major labels in Paris. Given her amazing talent, I have no doubt she will. From her chaise longue in her boudoir in the sky, Cécile will see to it that she does.

  As for me, I hope to continue writing and posting on my blog to grow my readership. After I get back from China, I’m also looking to intern for a newspaper or magazine, to develop my writing skills. We’ll see what the future brings.

  I’m pulled out of my thoughts when I suddenly hear my name being called out by the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. I nearly spit out my wine.

  I turn and see my blog header displayed on the large screen above the stage. “What’s happening? What did she say?” I whisper to Jonathan, half in awe, half in shock.

  “Oh, Anna Windsome just said your blog gets a special mention tonight in the social issues category for broadening the scope of how beauty and fashion are portrayed in the media. That’s all.”

  I turn beet red as the clapping roars around me. I have no idea who proposed my blog. Was it Jake, Ellie, Maddie, or James?

  I stand up, holding on to Jonathan’s hand to steady myself. I take a bow while mentally thanking my parents for sending me here and Cécile for her inspiration. It’s all her doing. And I am one grateful great-granddaughter.

  “What is this?” I ask Jonathan, stars in my eyes. We’re sitting on a bench overlooking Central Park. After the Parsons event at Lincoln Center, we decided to take a long, leisurely stroll. We even stopped in a local diner on the Upper West Side for some burgers and fries.

  I was feeling so giddy about Anna Windsome mentioning my blog that I hardly touched my food during dinner. Because of all I’ve been through, her mentioning Bonjour Girl is all the more special.

  “It’s a gift. Something I thought you’d like. Open it,” he says, kissing me softly on the cheek. “It’s your big night. It’s something to mark the occasion.” He wraps his wool scarf around my neck to keep me warm.

  I unwrap the present and my heart swells when I find a vintage book inside the silver wrapping paper. It’s entitled Classic French Fashions and the cover shows gorgeous illustrations of women wearing delicate flapper dresses.

  “I know how much you love vintage fashion and books.”

  I’m touched by his thoughtful gesture and feel tears well up in my eyes. I can’t believe I ever thought this man could betray me. That was so ridiculous. I couldn’t have been more wrong. “This is terrific! I love it. Thank you.”

  “That’s not all …” He takes the book and opens the front cover. The pages have all been glued together and a hole has been cut out of the centre to turn the book into a gift box. Inside, there’s a tiny red velvet pouch.

  “What? What is this? There’s more?” I protest but deep down I’m squealing with happiness.

  He grins mischievously. “Wait. You haven’t seen what’s in it yet.” He nods for me to continue unwrapping.

  I untie the pouch’s strings and a delicate silver ring with a small ruby falls into the palm of my hand.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “It belonged to another famous woman.”

  “Oh?”

  “My grandmother. She wasn’t as famous as Cécile but she had a big heart, just like you. It represents my love.” He slips it onto my index finger.

  “I want you to wear it and think of me while you’re in Shanghai.”

  I look down at my hand and it begins to tremble. I wasn’t expecting this supremely romantic gesture tonight, on top of everything else. Can a person be too happy? I think not.

  “I promise to wear it every day. I love you, Jonathan,” I say, tears running down my cheeks.

  “Since your parents are in Europe, I was hoping you’d join my family for Christmas this year. My mother is dying to meet you, especially after I asked her for that ring.”

  “I can’t imagine spending the holidays in better company. It’ll be the best Christmas ever. And I can’t wait to meet your parents.”

  Despite recent challenges, life has turned out so much better than I could have imagined. I kiss Jonathan back, this time with all the passion of four generations of fiery French women.

  What surprises await me in Shanghai? I’m not sure, but I’m hoping for the good kind. Right now, I’m just happy I followed my instincts.

  Because that’s what a lad
y does best.

  Acknowledgements

  Whether putting together fashion collections or writing novels, designers and writers cannot create their respective works of art without the precious help of a select few.

  In that regard, I’d like to thank Daniaile Jarry, my manager extraordinaire, who in addition to having great panache also recognized the potential of this story and provided unrelenting encouragement and support.

  Thank you to my editor, Jess Shulman, for her terrific work and upbeat personality, and for making Bonjour Girl the best it can possibly be.

  I’d like to thank Isabelle Rayle-Doiron, Camille Auger, Tina Avon, and Gina Roitman from the bottom of my heart for their precious feedback and collaboration. This book wouldn’t have seen the light of day without you. A special thanks to Debbie Stasson for being a cheerleader from a distance.

  Thank you to Scott Fraser and the rest of the terrific Dundurn team for your immense enthusiasm. It’s a real pleasure to work with you all.

  Thanks to Marie Geneviève Cyr, Stéphane Jean, and Marie-Ève Faust for bringing a touch of elegance and inspiration to my life. Thank you to my friend Sophie Lymburner for offering me the most magical place to write; I am immensely grateful. And thank you to my family and dear friends for your unwavering support.

  And thank you to all the smart, stylish, and sassy women out there, young and not so young, who kick ass every day. You are my true inspiration, and my admiration for you is boundless.

  Book Credits

  Acquiring Editor: Scott Fraser

  Project Editor: Jenny McWha

  Editor: Jess Shulman

  Proofreader: Catharine Chen

  Cover and Interior Designer: Laura Boyle

  E-Book Designer: Carmen Giraudy

  Publicist: Michelle Melski

  Dundurn

  Publisher: J. Kirk Howard

  Vice-President: Carl A. Brand

  Editorial Director: Kathryn Lane

  Sales Manager: Synora Van Drine

  Publicity Manager: Michelle Melski

  Editorial: Allison Hirst, Dominic Farrell, Jenny McWha, Rachel Spence, Elena Radic

  Design and Production: Laura Boyle, Carmen Giraudy

  Marketing and Publicity: Kendra Martin, Kathryn Bassett, Elham Ali

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Dedication

  Epigraph

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Acknowledgements

  Book Credits

  Copyright

  Copyright © Isabelle Laflèche, 2018

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise (except for brief passages for purpose of review) without the prior permission of Dundurn Press. Permission to photocopy should be requested from Access Copyright.

  All characters in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Cover image: ©istock.com/alvaher

  Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

  Laflèche, Isabelle, 1970-, author

  Bonjour girl / Isabelle Laflèche.

  Issued in print and electronic formats.

  ISBN 978-1-4597-4200-0 (softcover).--ISBN 978-1-4597-4201-7 (PDF).--ISBN 978-1-4597-4202-4 (EPUB)

  I. Title.

  PS8623.A35825B65 2018 jC813’.6 C2017-907758-9

  C2017-907759-7

  We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $153 million to bring the arts to Canadians throughout the country, and the Ontario Arts Council for our publishing program. We also acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit and the Ontario Media Development Corporation, and the Government of Canada.

  Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien. L’an dernier, le Conseil a investi 153 millions de dollars pour mettre de l’art dans la vie des Canadiennes et des Canadiens de tout le pays.

  Care has been taken to trace the ownership of copyright material used in this book. The author and the publisher welcome any information enabling them to rectify any references or credits in subsequent editions.

  J. Kirk Howard, President

  The publisher is not responsible for websites or their content unless they are owned by the publisher.

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